APU PHD Scholar Riding The Fintech Wave

Wajeeha Hussain is one of the pioneers in engaging FinTech with Shariah-compliant P2B platforms.

09/03/2018

APU PhD Scholar’s Research Contribution to Shariah Compliant P2B Financing Platforms
Kuala Lumpur, 8 March 2018: FinTech, cryptocurrency and blockchain are the current buzzwords in the financial word which are causing disruption globally. As these technologies become more mainstream, there is a concurrent need for entrepreneurs and specialists to cope with the demands as SMEs and business begin to adopt them. According to Transparency Market Research, the global P2P lending market opportunity is expected to grow from US$ 26.16 billion in 2015 to worth US$ 897.85 billion by 2024.

One such specialist who is gearing for the FinTech world is Wajeeha Hussain, a PhD student at the Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation. Wajeeha recently presented and moderated on the topic of “FinTech Entrepreneurship in Bahrain” She also contributed towards a workshop on “Entrepreneurship in the FinTech (Financial Technology) field”. It aimed at helping participants to understand the entrepreneurial aspects of the FinTech ecosystem in the Kingdom Bahrain in light of newly introduced crowdfunding regulations including Shariah compliant P2B financing platforms. The workshop was part of series of events held in February 2018 as part of Ta’a Al Shabab Festival which was organized by Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities.

Wajeeha’s contribution to the FinTech body of knowledge emanated from her research topic “The adoption of Shariah compliant Peer-to-Business (P-to-B) Financing Platforms”. Prof. Siva Muthaly, Dean of the Faculty of Business and Wajeeha’s research supervisor added that “Wajeeha’s research aims to explore SME perceptions towards this relatively new form of financing, as many factors influence SME behavior and decision towards adoption. The outcome from this research is a suitable strategic framework for FinTechs that will offer Shariah Compliant P2B financing platforms”.
About Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU)
The Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU) is amongst Malaysia’s Premier Private Universities. APU offers a wide range of degree programmes in collaboration with Staffordshire University, the UK with Technology, that aim to nurture students into professionals and prepare them for challenging careers and roles in business and society globally. Professionalism, problem-solving skills, and creativity & innovation are some of the key attributes of APU graduates. The multi-cultural student community comprises 11,000 students from over 110 countries. APU has earned an enviable reputation as an award-winning University through its achievements in winning a host of prestigious awards at national and international levels. It was announced as among the Highest Rated Universities in Malaysia, being rated at TIER 5 (EXCELLENT) under the SETARA 2011, 2013 and 2017 Ratings by the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) and Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Internationally, APU also achieved 5-Stars Ratings at the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in four categories – Teaching, Employability, Facilities and Inclusiveness. For more information, please visit http://www.apu.edu.my/.